Little swimmers turned out Saturday in pink swim suits, goggles, flip-flops and temporary tattoos to honor a former swimmer, 2005 Lakeside High School graduate and Georgia Southern University student who was killed in a February car wreck.

The sea of pink at the first Melissa Eustice Memorial Invitational Meet, held at Petersburg Racquet Club, celebrated Ms. Eustice's favorite color.

"The showing of pink here today is overwhelming," said CSRA Swim League President Jim Conley. "Melissa epitomizes the attitude of fair play and competition."

Ms. Eustice, 20, and two others, Jessica Lynn Fulmer, 21, and Jamie Lynn Carter, 22, died after a Feb. 10 wreck on Interstate 16 near Metter, Ga. A Georgia State Patrol spokesman said Saturday the cause of the wreck remains uncertain, but authorities have suspected that another car might have veered into the women's lane.

Saturday's event gave new meaning to a swim meet started in 1989 for swimmers younger than 10. The renaming of the B-Meet, as it was once called, was a fitting honor for Ms. Eustice, who coached the under-10 age group during high school, Mr. Conley said.

Peter Igel, a CSRA Swim League supporter, created the B-Meet for children still developing their swim capabilities to have fun without the pressure of a competitive race.

"The little kids that are here today heard the story (of Melissa) and maybe it will motivate the little ones," Mr. Igel said. "This is a summer activity for kids who are just learning to swim to just get their feet wet."

Children swam without the chance of being disqualified. To lessen the emphasis on competition and winning, swimmers were awarded for participation and for placing first through sixth in their races, Mr. Igel said.

At the start of the meet, Mr. Igel told the 177 participants to "swim hard and give it all you've got," advice similar to what Ms. Eustice would have offered during her four years coaching at Petersburg Racquet Club.

"She never said anything bad. She always encouraged them to do better," said Ms. Eustice's father, Gil Eustice, who attended the meet with his wife, Jill, and daughter Megan.

"Watching these kids have fun is what Melissa loved most," Mr. Eustice said. "It is about learning and having fun and self-confidence. That memory, especially the fun part, will keep Melissa alive."

Before the meet began, Columbia County Commissioner Tom Mercer read a proclamation deeming Saturday Melissa Kristen Eustice Day.

"Her love of swimming and the joy she passed on while working with children is honored in the renaming of the CSRA B-Meet," the proclamation stated.